For all the hundreds of millions spent on assembling a squad capable of challenging both home and abroad, Liverpool have already demonstrated with the signing of James Milner the value of a free transfer.

Milner was snapped up having walked away from a top-six rival, in his case Manchester City.

And like Ramsey, he is a midfielder who by then had accrued vast experience, both in Europe and international football.

Milner was 29 when he joined Liverpool. Ramsey will be 28 when his contract expires in the summer.

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Not exactly one for the future. But with no transfer fee – even allowing for an undoubted hefty sign-on package and salary – the lack of potential resale value further down the line wouldn’t be a significant issue.

Milner, whose own deal expires in 2020, can’t go on forever, although there’s been no sign yet of his indefatigable energy levels dropping.

Regardless, this season has already demonstrated Liverpool could benefit from more creative options in midfield.